There is a natural human tendency to look away from things that make us uncomfortable. When we see someone struggling, making destructive choices, or heading down a dangerous path, the easiest thing to do is to mind our own business. But as believers, we are called to a much higher—and sometimes much heavier—standard.
Consider the sobering words found in Proverbs 24:11-12:
“Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. Don’t excuse yourself by saying, ‘Look, we didn’t know.’ For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.”
These verses leave no room for comfortable complacency. Let’s break down what this actually means for us today.
The Illusion of Ignorance
In our modern, hyper-connected world, claiming ignorance is harder than ever. Yet, we still try. We see people staggering—spiritually, emotionally, and physically—toward destructive ends. We see the anxiety, the lostness, and the quiet desperation in our communities, our workplaces, and sometimes our own families.
The writer of Proverbs cuts straight through our favorite excuse: “Look, we didn’t know.” God, who weighs the heart, sees right past our feigned ignorance. He knows when we noticed the warning signs but chose to stay silent because speaking up felt too awkward, too risky, or too exhausting. This passage is a stark reminder that inaction is, in itself, an action. We are accountable for the truth we hold and the opportunities we are given to intervene.
Breaking the Silence: “I Have to Tell You Something”
If we truly love people, we cannot let them walk off a cliff while we stand quietly by. We have to be willing to initiate the hard conversations.
This is exactly why I wrote “I Have to Tell You Something.” The title alone is that pivotal phrase we use when we must deliver an important truth to someone we care about. The book explores the necessity of breaking our silence. It’s not about being judgmental; it’s about having the courage to speak truth in love. When you see someone staggering toward spiritual death, you cannot afford to hold back. You must be willing to say, “I have to tell you something,” because eternity and lives are on the line.
Equipping the Watchman: Taking Your Post
It is one thing to realize you need to speak up; it is another to know how to do it effectively. In ancient times, a watchman stood on the city walls, scanning the horizon for danger. If they saw the enemy coming, they had to blow the trumpet to warn the people. If they didn’t, the blood of the city was on their hands.
This biblical concept is the heartbeat behind my other book, the “Watchman’s Manual.” We are called to be modern-day watchmen for our families, friends, and culture. We cannot just be passive observers; we need a strategy. The Watchman’s Manual serves as a guide for recognizing the spiritual dangers of our time, equipping yourself with truth, and effectively sounding the alarm for those who are wandering in the dark.
Answering the Call
Proverbs 24 makes it clear: God guards your soul, and He knows what you know. He is asking us to step off the sidelines.
Will we be the kind of people who turn a blind eye, hoping someone else will do the heavy lifting? Or will we be the watchmen who boldly step into the fray to rescue the perishing? The next time you feel the Holy Spirit nudging you to speak up, don’t look away. Stand on the wall, sound the alarm, and have the courage to tell them what they need to hear.
*** Call to Action: If you struggle with having these hard conversations, or if you want to learn how to stand guard for your loved ones, check out my books, “I Have to Tell You Something” and “Watchman’s Manual,” available now. Let’s learn how to be effective watchmen together.
— Seanjennin
